Housing officer jailed for sex assaults

PUBLISHED: 12:35 26 January 2006 | UPDATED: 20:19 03 May 2010

A HOUSING officer responsible for the welfare of his residents has been jailed for four months for sexual assaults on a woman tenant. Colin Hayward, aged 43, of Cape Road in St Albans, denied that he had assaulted the woman twice when she invited him into

A HOUSING officer responsible for the welfare of his residents has been jailed for four months for sexual assaults on a woman tenant.
Colin Hayward, aged 43, of Cape Road in St Albans, denied that he had assaulted the woman twice when she invited him into her home but he was found guilty by a jury at Luton Crown Court on Friday. He was also put on the sex offenders' register for seven years.
The court heard how Hayward, who worked for Hightown Praetorian and Churches Housing Association (HPCHA) which deals with a range of housing in Herts - including homes and support for people with special needs - had visited the woman at her home on June 25, 2004.
He kissed her on the mouth and unzipped his trousers. He did not expose himself but gesticulated towards the bed. The woman shook her head and he left the house.
Hayward went back to the same property a few weeks later and the woman invited him in. This time he touched her breast twice and kissed her. She got up and left the house and Hayward followed but then left the scene.
David Bogle, Chief Executive for HPCHA, said: "He had a criminal record background check - all our staff have a CBR check. As soon as we got the complaint we took action."
He said that Hayward was suspended immediately after the complaints and subsequently dismissed.

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